Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk
Faith • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 156 viewsWe believers must live out the the living Word of God as a lifestyle.
Notes
Transcript
Scriptural Text: Matt. 5:16
Scriptural Text: Matt. 5:16
Intro: We believers must live out the the living Word of God as a lifestyle.
A few years ago a bold and aggressive Christian friend of mine told me about a time he was witnessing to someone on the train. The person who was being witnessed to wanted nothing to do with the gospel, my friend, or the combination of both. So, in frustration but confidence my friend put his face right in the face of this uninterested and now growingly indignant man, and he said to him, “Look me in my eyes! Can’t you see Jesus?” Now, what is the answer to that silly question? The answer is no. The world is not to look into our eyes in order to see Jesus, but they are to look at our hands, if you will. They will look there to see if we have anything to show. If we do good works, they’ll see them!
What Is Good Works?
Here’s a definition: good works are actions that God has commanded us to do in his holy Word that are fruit and evidence of a true and lively faith.
Here’s a definition: good works are actions that God has commanded us to do in his holy Word that are fruit and evidence of a true and lively faith.
Note: So, first, faith is the stimulus or catalyst for truly good or God-pleasing works. “Without faith it is impossible to please him [God]” (Hebrews 11:6).
Second, good works are “good” only if they are actions taught by God in his Word. That doesn’t negate something good and honorable like caring for grandparents, recycling plastic, and eating healthy foods.
“Faith without work is dead.”( Jas 2:17,24)
“Faith without work is dead.”( Jas 2:17,24)
James 2:17 (ESV) 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:24 (ESV) 24You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
As the world look at us as believers what do they see, a lot of talk, but no walk. I want to convey to you our talk must measure up to our walk, lifestyle.
In passing along our faith, nothing is stronger than the way we live our lives. We talk the Word but do we live out the Word, if it does not match our actions, our true hearts are exposed.
2 Timothy 1:5 “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
“What goes in you will surely come out!”
Isaiah 42:6 (ESV) 6“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, therefore,
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV [See also Ps 37:5–6; Pr 4:18; Pr 13:9; Is 58:8–10; Is 60:1–5; Is 62:1; Da 12:3; Lk 2:32; Ac 13:47]
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV [See also Ps 37:5–6; Pr 4:18; Pr 13:9; Is 58:8–10; Is 60:1–5; Is 62:1; Da 12:3; Lk 2:32; Ac 13:47]
Acts 13:47 (ESV) 47For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
Examples of believers acting as light to the world (Phil. 2:15)
Examples of believers acting as light to the world (Phil. 2:15)
Philippians 2:15 (ESV) — 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
[ We are to have a positive influence in the World]
Influence: The ability to affect others or events. Also, the experience of being affected by someone or something else. Scripture recognises the wide-ranging power of influence for both good and evil.
Teaching on influence
Exhortations to be influenced by good and to influence others for good (Mt 5:13–16, See also Pr 1:8–9; Pr 7:1–5; Pr 25:15; Php 4:8–9)
Exhortations to be influenced by good and to influence others for good (Mt 5:13–16, See also Pr 1:8–9; Pr 7:1–5; Pr 25:15; Php 4:8–9)
Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV) 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
DON’T JUST SHARE YOUR FAITH—SHOW IT! Your lifestyle and words need to be consistent (Matt. 5:14–16).
DON’T JUST SHARE YOUR FAITH—SHOW IT! Your lifestyle and words need to be consistent (Matt. 5:14–16).
• Live a humble and authentic life. Know that seekers have a hypocrisy radar that is always on! Your lifestyle and words need to be consistent (Matt. 5:14–16).
• Actively work at serving your friends who don’t yet know Christ (Matt. 5:16; Mark 10:45).
TAKE RISKS TO REACH PEOPLE WITH THE GOSPEL(Note Luke 19)
TAKE RISKS TO REACH PEOPLE WITH THE GOSPEL(Note Luke 19)
• Be ready to count the cost and take some risks.
In Luke 19, Jesus got up close and personal with Zacchaeus even though Zacchaeus was considered an outsider and a sinner.
Jesus went to dinner parties with tax collectors and sinners, associated with women of questionable reputation, and touched people with leprosy.
He took risks because he longed to reach those who were lost. Reaching people with the Gospel always has been and always will be risky business.
Note: Illustrate Jeremiah and Baruch (45:1-5): Jer have heart for the nation of Israel, but he told like it is, and walked the walk before all the people and nations. He was ridiculed, placed in prison, put under house arrest, put in stocks, but God…Gave him blessed assurance. Baruch, his scribe, became stress himself, but sent him a message blessed assurance,
Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).
In the context of God’s economy, Baruch’s woe, his failure, his seemingly unfulfilled life would absolutely shrivel when the final glory is revealed.
God sealed this grand consolation with a present and very practical promise to Baruch through Jeremiah: “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go” (v. 5).
Psalm 1:3 (ESV) 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:3 (ESV) 3He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.